The Enormity of the Herzlich story

Things are about to change for Mark Herzlich and BC football. In a few weeks the hoped for and hypothetical will become real. Mark will play football again and if the ACC media day is an indicator, this story will be huge. But Mark's candid responses to his risk and his goals opens up all the possibilities in play in this unbelievable narrative.

First (and this is our worst fear), Mark admitted that if he breaks his left leg, it would have a hard time healing due to the radiation and tumor. Most wouldn't risk that, but as we know, Mark is not most people. I can't see this ending that way. However, if this ending takes a sad turn, it will not be a tragedy and I don't think it would play out that way in the media. A broken leg would just mean Mark left everything he had on the field and that football ended his career, not cancer.

I think most BC fans expect Mark to contribute and be an emotional inspiration this season. If he is pretty good and BC is pretty good, Mark will still be the center of attention on a weekly basis and an inspiration to us all.

Mark clearly expect more than that. He wants to be better than he was in 2008. If he is better than his ACC Defensive Player of the Year season, he will win the Heisman. That's not hyperbole. Regardless of my BC allegiance, I believe that after the Reggie Bush nonsense, the media/Heisman voters would trip over each other in a rush to mail in their ballots for the All America, cancer-conquering linebacker from a BCS conference. The hype and pride surrounding his recovery would quadruple if Mark plays that well. No other candidate would stand a chance.

The odds of a defensive player winning the Heisman are long. The odds of a BC player winning the Heisman are long. But Mark has already shown that he is an outlier and isn't worried about statistics and normal outcomes. As I said, this story is going to be huge. Why not think big and think the impossible?

Raycom's story:

Frozen Four Fundraiser

For those in the New York area, the Manhattan Game Watch will also serve as a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. Details below.

Where: Butterfield 8’s (38th between 5th and Madison)

When: Saturday April 10th, 7pm- 10 pm

Details: $45 open bar, $15 of which will go directly to the American Cancer Society

Thoughts and prayers doesn't really cover what I am feeling

Forgive as this is sort of stream of consciousness...

I write this blog as an escape. And I know that many readers use this blog as an escape. A break in their work day. A chance to vent, laugh, whatever. Ultimately it is an outlet. As spectators, sports is escapism for most of us. Then moments like this -- when the real world crashes into our playground -- everything comes into perspective.

I don't know Mark at all. I do know friends who have battled various forms of cancer and it is never easy. He's lucky in that he has an otherwise healthy strong body. He has great family support and access to the best medical minds in the world. But regardless all of that, the mental and physical road he is headed down is a rough one. Good or bad, no one knows exactly what is ahead. The only known is that it will be tough.

I know a few of Mark's teammates (none particularly well). I feel for them. Compartmentalizing sports amid all their other distractions is tough to begin with. Add this and there is an additional waive of emotions. When you are looking for leadership and guidance and your leader isn't there, things can spin out of control quickly. Hopefully others will fill that void around the program.

I know Mark's dad. Most BC fans active online feel they know him since he's been a presence on message boards since before Mark signed on with BC. If you've ever met him in person, you see where Mark gets much of his passion and intensity. Even at his age, Sandy looks like he could still run out on the field and kick some ass. In addition to his passion he's also got a good sense of humor. I am partial to people who can laugh during tough times. It's what I try to do. Not knowing Mark, but knowing his father a little, I feel confident that the whole family will have the passion, humor, perspective and faith to deal with what they are facing.

In his statement, Mark asked for privacy. I'll do my best to give that to him. I'll post things as they pop up publicly. I'll focus on the football impact when the time comes. For now, I just pray.

Official statement from Mark Herzlich and BC

Here is BC's official statement:

BC Linebacker Herzlich Discloses He Is Battling Cancer
Senior linebacker learned of diagnosis this week

Boston College senior linebacker Mark Herzlich disclosed today that he has been diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a malignant tumor most often found in bone or soft tissue.

The following is a statement from Herzlich:

“This past week, I got some news nobody wants to hear. After undergoing some tests to determine the cause of some pain I had been experiencing in my leg, I learned that I have Ewing’s Sarcoma.

“Obviously, I was shocked. I had been extremely focused on preparing for my senior season at Boston College and for life beyond that. Now, I must channel all that energy into facing my toughest opponent yet, and that is exactly what I will do.

“I have returned to Pennsylvania to be near my family and to undergo a series of tests that will help my doctors determine the best course of treatment. I will keep you informed about my progress, but for now, I would like to ask for privacy as my family and I make some tough decisions.

“At this point, I do not know what this means for my football future, but I am determined to rid my body of this disease so that I can put that uniform back on. Thank you in advance for your prayers and concern. Together, we will fight this and win.”


The following is a statement from Coach Frank Spaziani:

“We all were stunned when we heard this news. Mark is a member of the BC football family and one of the most recognizable faces on our campus. From the day he stepped foot on our campus, he has been a leader on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

“When people think of Mark Herzlich, they think of a fearless individual who is always ready to take on a tough opponent. His integrity, determination and focus are unmatched. I know he will face this challenge with that same attitude.

“Our thoughts today are not on football, they are on Mark Herzlich. His health is our only concern, and we will stand beside him every step of the way.”


About Mark Herzlich (6-4, 238, Sr., LB, Wayne, PA):

In 2008, Herzlich was a first-team All-America selection by Rivals.com and Scouts.com and was a member of the AP All-America third team. He was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker, and a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy. He led the Eagles with 110 tackles, six interceptions, eight pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.